Evening News Digest: 19 January 2018

Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was successfully flight tested for its full range on 18 January 2018, from Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

This was the fifth test of the Missile and the third consecutive one from a canister on a road mobile launcher. This successful test of Agni-5 reaffirms the country’s indigenous missile capabilities and further strengthens our credible deterrence.

The launch was supervised by project director G. Ramaguru and programme director M.R.M. Babu. All objectives of the mission have been successfully met.

Agni 5: Agni-V is the most advanced missile in the Agni series with new technologies incorporated in it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. The missile is so programmed that after reaching the peak of its trajectory, it will turn towards the Earth to continue its journey towards the intended target with an increased speed due to the attraction of the Earth’s gravitational pull.

GST Council reduces tax rates on 29 goods and 53 categories of services

On 18 January 2018, Finance Minister announced that, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has reduced the rates on 29 goods and 53 categories of services. The new rates would come into effect on January 25.

Some of the services for which the rates have been cut include tailoring (18% to 5%), admission to theme parks (28% to 18%), and petroleum and natural gas mining and exploration (18% to 12%). The GST Council also decided to exempt supply of services by way of providing information under the RTI Act.

Further it was also informed that, the GST provision requiring transporters to carry an electronic waybill or e-way bill, when moving goods of over Rs. 50,000 in value between states, will be implemented from February 1.

The Maharashtra government has approved Rs 4,000-crore project, which is aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The project will be partially funded by the World Bank.

The project, named Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojna, will be implemented in 5,142 villages across 15 districts. It will roll out in 2018-19 and continue till 2023-24.

The scheme would cover small- and medium- scale farmers, who are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Aim: Objectives of the project are to improve soil quality, develop foodgrain varieties which can sustain climate variations and effect necessary changes in the crop pattern as per the availability of water in a particular region.

Attack helicopter Rudra first time in Republic Day parade

For the first time, the indigenously built attack Helicopter, Rudra will appear in the Republic Day parade on Rajpath here on January 26 2018.

The flypast by the Indian Air Force on the Republic Day parade will involve 38 aircraft, including 21 fighters, 12 helicopters and five transporters.

The IAF tableau will be themed on "Indian Air Force encouraging indigenisation", while the tri-service tableau will be themed on "veterans are asset to the nation.

India rise three places in latest FIFA rankings

India jumped three rungs to be placed 102nd in the first FIFA rankings of the year 2018. India, who are just above 103rd placed Qatar, are ranked 14th among Asian countries.

India garnered 13 points in the last one month for a total of 333 points. The Indians remained unbeaten in 2017, having won seven of their nine matches while two ended in draws.

India had also qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Iran is the top-ranked Asian team at the 34th position.

Last 3 years hottest on record: UN Weather Agency

The last three years were the hottest on record, the United Nations weather agency reported on 18 January 2018. 2015, 2016 and 2017 have been confirmed as the three warmest years on record.

2016 remains the hottest year ever measured due to the warming effect of El Nino, while 2017 was the warmest non-El Nino year, beating out 2015 by less than one hundredth of a degree.

The WMO also highlighted the intensification of weather and climate related disasters, which hit record levels in the United States last year, while multiple countries were devastated by cyclones, floods and drought.

Axis Securities becomes first bank-sponsored member of MCX

Axis Securities, a subsidiary of Axis Bank has become the first bank sponsored broking entity to take membership of Multi Commodity Exchange of India.

In the 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had opened the way for large banks to enter commodity broking services, through subsidiaries. This would also go a long way in bringing the larger physical market in commodities to the commodity derivatives market.

The membership to Axis Securities was granted in first week of December 2017 and since then it is engaged in planning the education and training calendar to enable smooth roll out of services at Axis Securities.

Asean, India to collaborate on cinema and cultural shows

Artists, actors and film-makers from India and other ASEAN countries will collaborate on cinema projects by tapping on cross-border talent and expertise.

Several initiatives across the spectrum of films and entertainments are in development after a wide range of interactive sessions were held at the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), hosted for Indias Ministry of External Affairs in Singapore from January 6 and 7.

It will be one of the largest cinema, cultural and entertainment collaboration for joint projects following the ASEAN-India PBD. This program will work with cross border film school students.

ASEAN: ASEAN has a large population of Indian origins, with many migrating to the region in early 1900s. Malaysia and Singapore, have been the biggest hosts of Indian films since the 1950s.

The exhibition will take place from April 11 to 14 and nearly 80 countries are expected to take part in it. arrangements will be made for the Navy, Army and Air Force to display their equipment in the exhibition. In a bid to promote small industries, huge discounts would be offered to them to set up stalls at the exhibition

Already 35 companies from Tamil Nadu have signed (TOT) for supply of defence equipment. At the state level, 35 companies have signed Transfer of Technology for supply of defence equipment.

Angelina Jolie to receive ASC Governors Awards

Actor-director Angelina Jolie will be honoured by the American Society of Cinematographers with ASC Board of Governors Award.

Jolie will be felicitated with award during the 32nd annual ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement on February 17 at Hollywood and Highland's Ray Dolby Ballroom.

For her wide-ranging accomplishments, she is being honoured with the Board of Governors Award.

Board of Governors Award: The Board of Governors Award is given to individuals in the industry whose body of work has made significant and indelible contributions to cinema.

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